As the countdown to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris ticks away – set to ignite on July 26 – the final roster for Team USA women’s basketball remains a tantalizing mystery. But fear not, hoop enthusiasts, for amidst the speculation and suspense, there’s one undeniable truth: Caitlin Clark deserves a spot on that squad.
Sure, the roster reveal isn’t slated until early June, but anticipation is already reaching fever pitch. And why wouldn’t it? With the growing popularity of college basketball and the WNBA, the stage is set for another monumental leap forward for women’s basketball in the United States. Ratings are soaring, and the Olympic stage promises to be a prime showcase for the sport’s ever-evolving prowess.
In a recent interview, Lisa Leslie – a titan of the game with four Olympic gold medals to her name – left no room for doubt when asked about Clark’s candidacy: “One hundred percent. One thousand percent. I can’t even let you get the question out. I don’t know how you leave the country without her.”
But as the saying goes, the path to glory is seldom without its thorny hurdles. Team USA faces the daunting task of whittling down its roster to the chosen few. Will Clark clinch her spot among the elite? Let’s unpack the reasons why she’s a slam dunk for selection.
Who is on Team USA women’s roster?
| PLAYER | POS. | HT. | WNBA TEAM | PAST OLYMPICS |
| Ariel Atkins | G | 5-8 | Washington Mystics | 2020 |
| Shakira Austin | F | 6-5 | Washington Mystics | – |
| Aliyah Boston | F | 6-5 | Indiana Fever | – |
| Chelsea Gray | G | 5-11 | Las Vegas Aces | 2020 |
| Brittney Griner | C | 6-9 | Phoenix Mercury | 2016, ’20 |
| Rhyne Howard | G | 6-2 | Atlanta Dream | – |
| Sabrina Ionescu | G | 5-11 | New York Liberty | – |
| Jewell Loyd | G | 5-10 | Seattle Storm | 2020 |
| Kelsey Plum | G | 5-8 | Las Vegas Aces | 2020, 3 vs. 3 |
| Breanna Stewart | C | 6-4 | New York Liberty | 2016, ’20 |
| Diana Taurasi | G | 6-0 | Phoenix Mercury | 2004, ’08, ’12, ’16, ’20 |
| A’ja Wilson | F | 6-5 | Las Vegas Aces | 2020 |
| Jackie Young | G | 6-0 | Las Vegas Aces | 2020, 3 vs. 3 |
Absolutely indisputable indeed! Caitlin Clark’s impact on women’s college basketball has been nothing short of phenomenal, with her presence contributing to unprecedented ratings for the sport. Just take the national championship game between Iowa and South Carolina, which drew a staggering 18.9 million viewers – a testament to Clark’s star power and the growing interest in women’s hoops.
And let’s not overlook the surge in WNBA viewership, where Clark and fellow rookies like Cameron Brink and Angel Reese have injected fresh excitement into the league. Their emergence has undoubtedly played a role in setting new records for viewership, laying the groundwork for a seamless transition to the Summer Olympics.
Drawing a parallel to the iconic Michael Jordan’s debut at the 1984 Summer Olympics might seem ambitious, but hear me out. While the circumstances aren’t identical – that team comprised solely of college players – the buzz generated by Jordan’s Olympic stint undeniably set the stage for his legendary NBA career. The same could hold true for Clark, whose inclusion on Team USA would undoubtedly boost ratings for the Olympics and further elevate interest in the WNBA.
Imagine the scenario: Clark donning the red, white, and blue, driving ratings for the Olympics while simultaneously piquing curiosity about the WNBA. It’s a win-win situation, with the potential to propel women’s basketball to unprecedented heights.
As for concerns about distraction or disruption to Team USA’s winning streak, let’s be real: this is a squad accustomed to dominating on the global stage. With seven consecutive gold medals and an unblemished record in Olympic competition since 1992, they’ve proven time and again that they can handle any challenge that comes their way.
So, mark my words: if Caitlin Clark secures her spot on the roster, Team USA women’s basketball will not only break records but also captivate audiences like never before. And hey, a little extra excitement never hurt anyone – especially when it comes to celebrating the prowess of these incredible athletes on the world stage.
Caitlin Clark’s WNBA stats show she is ready for Olympics
The Athletic brought up an intriguing point ahead of the training camp on May 7, suggesting that including Caitlin Clark on the roster could stir up some debate among the committee. The traditional notion of “paying your dues with Team USA” might clash with Clark’s lack of experience in senior team camps. However, with all 13 players deserving of a spot in Paris, it’s evident that making the final roster decision won’t be an easy task. Yet, despite the valid concerns, it feels like the perfect time to enlist Clark’s talents for Team USA.
Clark has already demonstrated her prowess at the WNBA level, showcasing an impressive stat line through nine games that places her among the league’s elite. Her ability to contribute across multiple categories sets her apart, aligning her with other young stars like Young and Ionescu who are vying for a spot on the team.
But what truly sets Clark apart is her electrifying three-point shooting, a skill that could provide Team USA with yet another potent long-range threat. While her 3-point percentage may not top the charts like Plum or Taurasi, her capability as a viable shooter adds another dimension to the team’s arsenal.
While it’s true that controversies have been rare for the Team USA women’s basketball roster, the decision to leave off a talent like Clark could potentially stir up some lingering questions down the line. Just as fans still ponder the omissions of Isiah Thomas from the iconic 1992 “Dream Team” and the limited playing time for LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in 2004, leaving Clark off the roster could create unnecessary speculation.
As the driving force behind a transformative year for women’s basketball, Clark’s inclusion in the Olympic roster seems not only fitting but essential. It’s about more than just the competition; it’s about celebrating the game’s growth and inspiring a new generation of fans. Twenty years from now, do we want to look back and wonder why Clark wasn’t part of that historic moment? The answer seems clear: she belongs there, front and center, as a beacon of the sport’s bright future.
